what scares me is this time next year we should be in talks with Luke to extend his contract, and he will be deserving of the highest paid player of any defensive player in the league. Make it happen DG.

Uh ...no. Absolutely no need to extend him early. Don't think we even can until his 4th year anyway.

In only 21 games played, Luke Kuechly has already become the best middle linebacker the Panthers have ever had. Actually, he is the second best player at his position they Panthers have ever had, right behind Steve Smith.

Luke is clearly the smartest player on the Panthers when you watch him in interviews. His play shows it. He's like a Peyton Manning on defense. He's a once-in-a-lifetime combination of physical talent and mental ability. It's rare that guys get both of those strengths equally. Let's just hope he can stay healthy.

In only 21 games played, Luke Kuechly has already become the best middle linebacker the Panthers have ever had. Actually, he is the second best player at his position they Panthers have ever had, right behind Steve Smith.

That is a heavy statement, given the proud history of MLB's like Dan Morgan and Jon Beason, both excellent players in their own right. Kuechly is a more talented and more complete player than either of them.

Its not his speed, size, or tackling ability that sets him apart. But instead, its his nose. Luke has a nose for the football like i have never seen in a Panthers uniform.

As a sideline photographer, this makes my life pretty easy when shooting the defense. Getting a good shot is fairly simple. Focus on Kuechly and follow him. Chances are he will be in on the play for that snap or at the very least indicate for me where the action will be. Thanks for making it easy, Luke.

The only knock on Kuechly last season was his pedestrian pass coverage. This season he has focused in on that and currently has the highest ranking on PFF of any inside linebacker. New England's Brandon Spikes is listed in second place.

Kuechly leads the Panthers defense with 48 stops.

In Kuechly the Panthers have Urlacher 2.0. A stud linebacker who dominates in all aspects of the game and has stayed completely healthy while doing so.